Questions from EU over Newhaven incinerator

Responding to a complaint from Lewes MP Norman Baker the European Commission has challenged the decision to grant an extension of contract to waste operator Veolia designed to make the construction of a waste incinerator a viable proposition.

To compensate for increasing costs for the incinerator (see earlier story), East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council extended the 25-year, £1.3 bn contract with Veolia due to expire in 2028 by five years thus guaranteeing an additional £35m of income.

The extension of the contract was not put out to tender and the EU Commission has asked the government to explain prior to making a ruling on the case which could result in the whole 30 year contract having to be re-tendered.